The outbreak of World War II brought him to the United States where he began his most successful days as a musician,[2] bringing his fiery style to concert halls and universities.

[2][3] During this period he made a few recordings for several major and independent labels including RCA Victor, Everest and Folkways,[2] performing traditional flamenco music such as Farruca.,[4] Malaga and Hokie.

[5] When World War II broke out in Europe in 1939, he was on tour in the United States, and decided to settle in New York City, eventually becoming a U.S.

He was admired for the speed of his picados and found popularity on the international stage as a result of this technically impressive pace.

His niece, Rosa Montoya, is noted for introducing flamenco dance to most of California with her studio based in San Francisco.